(19)

(11)

EP 1 644 741 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 24.02.2005 (43) Date of publication: 12.04.2006 Bulletin 2006/15 (21) Application number: 04777969.9 (22) Date of filing: 09.07.2004

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  G01N 33/68(1980.01) (86) International application number: PCT/US2004/022218 (87) International publication number: WO 2005/008252 (27.01.2005 Gazette 2005/04)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR (30) Priority: 10.07.2003 US 486865 P 15.03.2004 US 801623 (71) Applicant: GENERAL ATOMICS San Diego, CA 92186-5608 (US)	(72) Inventors: YUAN, Chong-Sheng San Diego, CA 92130 (US) DATTA, Abhijit Carlsbad, CA 92009 (US) DOU, Chao San Diego, CA 92130 (US) (74) Representative: Otten, Hajo et al Witte, Weller & Partner Patentanwälte, Postfach 105462 70047 Stuttgart 70047 Stuttgart (DE)